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Kyrene Aprende Middle School
Kyrene Aprende Middle School, nominated by Education Evolving, is a middle school in Chandler, Arizona that describes itself as a public district school serving learners from a primarily suburban area.
Location Chandler, Arizona
Governance Public district school
Grades Middle
Students 975
Locale Suburban
Principal Renee Kory
Demographics
Percentage of students*
2%
English Learners
24%
Free/Reduced Lunch
12%
Students with Disabilities
African American or Black 7%
American Indian/Alaska Native 2%
Asian 4%
Hawaiian or Pacific Islander —
Hispanic or Latino 30%
White 46%
2+ Races 11%
Why Kyrene Aprende Middle School was nominated
Kyrene Aprende Middle School is an innovative school environment that serves a diverse student population in Chandler, Arizona. Aprende has received various recognitions for their achievements, including being an A+ School of Excellence and a National AVID demonstration school. Aprende is also a leader in school transformation efforts as part of the National network of Teacher-Powered Schools, demonstrating a commitment to increase educator voice in decision-making in order to improve student learning. Teachers have implemented a model of deep collaboration for teachers and students and where students get to experience real-world learning that is and meaningful and engaging. Students in this model experience learning that is beyond traditional classrooms and where they can be curious, excited and motivated to learn.
Student experience design
Aprende is a traditional large public middle school where students/families choose a teaming or traditional model. In the Innovative Teaming Model, students are on a team of approximately 150 students, where a team of educators share students, have common prep/PLC, and employ a Team Lead to facilitate all operations of the team. These students have a 120-minute Humanities block, which integrates ELA and Social Studies curriculum, with 75 students in a larger/flexible space, with anywhere from 3-5 educators. Math and Science are similar to the traditional 60-minute course with 30-35 students, but the teachers and the students remain on the same team. As an AVID National Demonstration School, AVID leaders are leads on the team and help facilitate PD and the integration of AVID strategies. Students engage in project-based, collaborative activities at least 50% of the time. They also have over 15 electives and 25+ clubs and extra-curriculars to choose from. Student agency, advocacy, and self-efficacy is a priority.
Core Practices
| Core Practices | Length of Use |
|---|---|
|
Career Prep And Work-based Learning |
5+ years
|
|
Multiple Opportunities To Demonstrate Mastery |
5+ years
|
|
Project-based Learning |
5+ years
|
|
SEL Integration School-wide |
3-4 years
|
All Practices
Advancement On Mastery
Student Advisories
AI For Teacher Productivity
Assessments For Agency And Self-directed Learning
Assessments For Career Readiness
Assessments For Deeper Learning
Assessments For Social-emotional Skills
Blended Learning
Co-leadership
Community And Business Partnerships
Competency/mastery-based Education
Competency Framework
Disaggregated Data On Student Participation
Extended Learning Opportunities
Extended Learning Time
Flexible Staffing & Alternative Teaching Roles
All Courses Designed For Inclusion
Interdisciplinary
Individual Learning Paths
Mental Health Services
1:1 Mentoring
Multi-tiered System Of Support (MTSS) In Academics
No Tracked Classes
Peer To Peer Support
Performance Based Assessment
High Quality Instructional Materials
Reallocation Of Resources For Those Most In Need
Restorative Practices
SEL Curriculum
Student-led Conferences
Students Access Their Own Data
Student-led Goal Setting
Self-paced Learning
Students Develop Projects
Tutoring
key reasons for innovating
Increase teacher agency
Date Updated: 4/1/2025
*Canopy profile data is self-reported or sourced from NCES data, then verified by school leaders.